HGV driver swaps lorries for leads

An animal loving heavy goods vehicle driver is the latest new franchisee to join business, The Dog Walker.

After more than 11 years as an HGV driver, Halifax-man Nigel Wilson is set to take over the Queensbury franchise from long-standing franchisee Mark Whittaker.

Mark established the franchise of the award-winning company in 2013 and now has more than 24 clients.

Swapping his role driving vehicles for daily walks in the outstanding Yorkshire countryside, Nigel will offer his dog walking, home boarding and pet taxi services in an area stretching from Hipperholme to Cullingworth and Halifax to Allerton.

Says Nigel: “A family member was already a customer of The Dog Walker locally and had sung her praises for the service, so I knew I liked the firm’s animal-focussed approach and when the opportunity to buy the franchise came up, I seized it.

“I’ve had an affinity with animals all my life and loved helping out on my family’s smallholding when I was growing up. I married Sue earlier this year and wanted a change of lifestyle which allowed me to be home in the evenings. Our household now comprises one dog, three cats, four canaries and a parakeet! I’m looking forward to getting much more exercise and spending more quality time with my family and our animals.”